FAQs

Got a question? You can get a quick answer on this page to many common questions I get asked.

How do I communicate with you?

I use Trello to communicate about work. Typically I set up a board for us and send you an invite link. Or we can work in a traditional way, via email. I still prefer Trello because of the cool integrations and tools available on the platform. Progresses are easier to track here as well.

How do I deliver tasks?

I prefer to receive tasks and instructions as early in the week as possible (normally on Sunday/Monday) so I can plan my schedule for the week accordingly.

How do you track time?

I use Toggl as a tool to track my working hours. I forward recorded working hours to my clients together with my next invoice, or you can ask for it anytime within the 4 weeks cycle.

What are your working days?

I work from Monday to Friday, and predominantly on client work from 11am to 7pm local time.

OMG I need something done now now now!

If you have important tasks, the earlier in the week I get them or be notified they are coming the better. As the week nears to a close, all my time may be scheduled with other clients, so your tasks may not be able to be completed. Honestly, I will do my best to get things done, but there are only so many hours in a day. A Trello Board helps here as you can buffer tasks ready for each week.

How should I share large files with you

When transferring files, you can either send them to me via WeTransfer, upload them to Dropbox or Google Drive and share the folder with me.

I want to contact you on WhatsApp/Messenger/Snapchat

I prefer to keep our conversations via Trello and Email only, and that’s a boundary I wish you’d respect. Imagine leaving work and you start getting private messages from your clients because you don’t reply to their emails. No one wants that and I don’t expect my clients to treat me that way.

I need help with a task that involves a lot of steps, how do I describe this in my instruction?

I’d normally advise clients to create a screen recording video and upload them to YouTube to explain the tasks. As a bonus, if you stop using me for any reason, you have the explanation videos already made for your next VA.

Along with the video, it’s best to provide clear instructions of what you want and expect from each task you set. I am also happy to have meetings or calls for you to set tasks, but this is billable time.

What is your current time zone? Would this affect our working relationship?

I’m currently based in Kuching, Malaysia and my timezone is UTC+8. My timezone does not affect our working relationship at all. I like to be clear with my clients that if you need time-specific assistance, then I may not be able to offer this yet.

What is your resume?

Can I fire you?

If you don’t think we are a good fit for each other or expectations are not met, then of course, I am not going to force you to work with me! I politely request that clients give me a period of notice.

Please remember, firing works both ways. If I don’t feel like it’s working out, I can make the decision to stop us working together.

How do I pay?

I require a minimum commitment of 5 hours per week of work to keep you as a client. This is invoiced even if you don’t use my time. Just like my time, the time I assign to you does not accumulate or rollover. Payment is also generally required up front and paid electronically.

For Malaysian clients, payments can be done by bank transfers to my business bank account.

I accept international payments (USD, AUD & GBP) via TransferWise directly into my Borderless account, and sometimes PayPal. I am forced to charge an extra 5% for PayPal payments to cover the fees (not just PayPal fees, but also multi-currency fees) (Honestly, PayPal sucks!). TransferWise is still my preferred method!

I have no idea if I need a VA or not!

I can’t answer that for you, but I love this article on everything you need to know about hiring a VA. Read it through, do what it says, and let’s talk if you still need me!

I’d like to hire you, what should I do next?

There’s a few things you need to do, but here’s a start:

Decide on how many hours per week you think you will need to use me. The minimum is five.

Prepare a list of tasks you’re outsourcing to me, this helps us both prepare for what’s coming.

If you need me to login as you anywhere, I suggest you set up a folder on LastPass to share your passwords with me.

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